Corruption cripples Mongla, Burimari ports: TIB

Corruption is widespread in the country’s Mongla sea port and Burimari land port, according to a study of Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB).

The findings of the study titled 'Burimari Land Port & Customs Station and Mongla Port & Custom House: Governance Challenges in Import-Export and Way Out' were presented at a programme at TIB's Dhanmondi office on Sunday.

Presenting the report, TIB officials Manzur-e Khoda and Md Khorshed Alam said rampant corruption have crippled the two ports.

In Mongla port, car importers have to give bribes of Tk 4,000 for tax clearance in six departments of customs house and Tk 1715 more in 10 places of the port to unload a car.

Customs house takes Tk 35,700 as bribe for tax clearance of every imported bill of entry in the port. Unloading the imported goods within 5:00pm requires bribe of Tk 6,000 while it is Tk 1200 for unloading at a later time.

Moreover, for entry and exit to the port, every ship pays Tk 8350 as bribe to the customs house and Tk 21,000 to the port officials.

In Lalmonirhat’s Burimari Land Port and Customs Station, exporters and importers need to pay bribe at different places. Exporters pay Tk 1750 against every bill of entry to the port while the amount is Tk 1500 for importers.

TIB executive director Iftekharuzzaman said corruption has been institutionalised in these two ports.

Around 60 per cent of the cars imported are done at the Mongla port. Clinker, coal, fertiliser and LP gas are also imported through this port.

In the 2016-17 fiscal year, Mongla port earned Tk 2.27 billion and while the customs department earned more than Tk 30 billion.

Burimari port earned over Tk 70 million during this period.